Jaguars' Thomas won't try to measure up to Broncos' numbers

"It’s exciting, that first time you get to work out with your new quarterback," he said. "We’ve got a couple thousand more reps to go, but I’m really looking forward to that chemistry and growing with that entire offense."

The expectations will be elevated for Thomas, who is coming off two great seasons with the Broncos. However, Thomas isn't out to prove he can have the same production without Peyton Manning throwing him passes.

"I think I’ve got to be a little bit cautious on trying to prove so much," he said. "I think I’ve just got to go out there and work my hardest, and do everything I can to win every route, and see what happens. I don’t want to set a goal of 'I gotta have these numbers.' I’m just going to work my hardest every day, do everything I can to become a better player, and do everything I can to help out my team and this offense."

Thomas is also confident he will be able to coexist on offense with veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, who has been with the team since 2006.

"I don’t think we’ll have any problem playing together," he said. "I was actually talking to him this weekend. I ran into him; we both live in L.A. He’s a really good guy. I’ve met him a couple times before. We both have the same marketing company, so we know the same people, and people that I respect speak very highly of him. I think we complement each other very well. There are going to be things that he can teach me, and I can learn from him."

Jaguars make Julius Thomas acquisition official on Wednesday

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(3/11/15) The Jaguars made the signing of tight end Julius Thomas official on Wednesday, per the team's official website. Thomas is expected to make an average of $9.2 million over five seasons, with $24 million guaranteed.

Thomas, 26, had a $645,000 salary last year when he racked up 489 yards on 43 receptions. He has registered back-to-back seasons with at least 12 touchdowns in 2013 and 2014 while with the Broncos.

Report: Jaguars' Julius Thomas to receive $24 million guaranteed

(3/10/15) The Jaguars are expected to pay tight end Julius Thomas an average of $9.2 million over five seasons, with $24 million guaranteed, NFL.com reports.

Thomas is joining the Jaguars after four seasons with the Broncos. He didn't see significant action until his third year and has scored 12 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons.

Report: TE Julius Thomas to get $9 million annually from Jags

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(3/10/15) Free agent tight end Julius Thomas will sign a multiyear deal with the Jaguars worth about $9 million annually, reports the Denver Post. The Broncos never pursued Thomas because they knew he'd command far more than they were willing to spend, the report added.

Julius Thomas had a breakout season in 2013, and he will look to build off that performance this year. Thomas had 65 catches for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns in 14 games, and he could take on a bigger role with Eric Decker now gone to the Jets as a free agent. He was No. 3 in Fantasy points in a standard league at tight end last year, and he should remain a Top 3 option coming into the season with Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski. We like Thomas with a pick as early as Round 3 in the majority of leagues, but if he falls to Round 4 or later then consider that a steal. Only three tight ends scored double digits in touchdowns last season -- Graham, Vernon Davis and Thomas -- and it's not easy finding elite options at that position, so take advantage of it early with a player of Thomas' upside.
(Updated 5/12/14)